Heading home after a glorious day on the beach at Holkham, you might wish you could just stumble upon a welcoming old pub on a sleepy river somewhere. You’d sip gin as the sun sinks over the fields, then dine in style on smoked trout and samphire before wandering upstairs to fall into a sumptuous bed.
Well now you can. Sculthorpe Mill is just 20 minutes inland from the finest stretch of North Norfolk’s coast but far from the thronging hordes at Burnham Market. Steeped in fields, it’s so tranquil here that there’s a nature reserve next door; the mill pond looks like Constable’s Hay Wain. Inside, though, it’s another story. The Peyton sisters (veterans of The Atlantic, and Peyton and Byrne gallery eateries) have poured gallons of style into this quaint 1757 mill, creating warm contemporary spaces with flamboyant touches, and filling 7 spacious bedrooms with luxuries such as super-kingsize beds, Nespresso machines, and drenching rain showers.
But locals flock here for the fabulous food. Executive chef Elliot Ketley has created a brilliant menu, working his alchemy on Norfolk’s finest produce. So spend a few days here, sign off from the modern world, and explore Norfolk’s wondrous beaches.
Highs
- The food is phenomenal. Local ingredients made epic
- Great location, 30 minutes from King’s Lynn: easily accessible from London, Cambridge or the north
- A whole array of beaches lie within easy reach
- Modern, stylish and feel-good décor
- Very comfortable rooms: deeply cosy beds, excellent showers, Nespresso machines and good tea
Lows
- No lift in this quaint old building, so the 7 bedrooms are reached by stairs
- No televisions in the rooms – take this chance to switch off from the modern world – but the WiFi is excellent and Roberts Bluetooth speakers are there for your own soundtrack, if you need one
- This is a buzzy pub, and music from the bar, mellow as it is, can be heard on the top floor
Best time to go
North Norfolk is drier and sunnier than most of the country, so very appealing in spring and autumn. This area still feels relatively un-busy, though naturally, beaches are popular in July and August: get to Wells or Holkham early to grab a parking space. Once on the sand, though, everyone spreads out, and there’s really no overcrowding.
Winters are cosy in Sculthorpe Mill; good for bracing walks on the beach and settling with a book in front of the woodburner.
Winters are cosy in Sculthorpe Mill; good for bracing walks on the beach and settling with a book in front of the woodburner.
Our top tips
Come for at least four days, and explore the unsung heroes of the Norfolk coast: after coffee at Stiffkey Stores, walk east along the coastal path to Freshes Creek, or the fabulous beach at Gun Hill. Have lunch at Siding in Melton Constable, and dig about in the auctions and antique shops of Holt and Aylsham, or Fakenham’s market on Thursday. Return to while away the afternoon in the lovely gardens at Sculthorpe Mill.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
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